News Releases

News Release - Canada and Manitoba

CANADA AND MANITOBA INVEST IN WATER AND WASTEWATER INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS THE PROVINCE

Elie, Manitoba, (April 18, 2017) – The governments of Canada and Manitoba are committed to investing in local infrastructure that ensures Canadians and their families have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services that meet their needs. These investments safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect provincial waterways and preserve local ecosystems.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations, were in Elie to announce more than $37 million in combined funding for 24 new water and wastewater projects across Manitoba.

The funding will support a variety of water and wastewater projects, like upgrading the Elie lagoon in the Rural Municipality of Cartier, building a new lagoon in the Rural Municipality of Montcalm, and building a new municipal well and piping network in the Rural Municipality of Prairie View.

These investments are part of the bilateral agreement between Canada and Manitoba, announced on July 25, 2016, and are in addition to approximately $153 million in federal and provincial funding announced that day for 23 water and wastewater projects and 4 public transit projects.

Quotes

“Modern, efficient water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to safeguarding the well-being of Canadian families and building the Canada we want for tomorrow. We are working closely with the Government of Manitoba and municipalities to invest in important water and wastewater projects that will protect the environment, keep communities in the Province healthy and livable, and create well-paying jobs for the middle-class.” – The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“We are pleased to partner with the federal government to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure across Manitoba. These important projects will help foster sustainable economic growth and safe, healthy communities for Manitobans to live and work. Our Government will continue to provide strong support for municipal infrastructure while building on our new, streamlined ‘Single Window’ application approach.” – The Honourable Eileen Clarke, Minister of Indigenous and Municipal Relations

“There are few things more essential to the safety and well-being of Manitobans than clean, potable water. At the same time, new infrastructure investments in water-related projects help to create new economic opportunities for municipalities. The AMM is pleased to partner with our provincial and federal counterparts in selecting these very important projects for our communities.” – Chris Goertzen, Association of Manitoba Municipalities President

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is providing Manitoba with up to $95,250,782 under the new Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, and will fund up to 50 per cent of the eligible project costs.

For the 24 projects announced today, the federal government is providing up to $18.6 million, the Province is providing approximately $9.3 million, and local municipalities are contributing the balance of the funding or about $9.3 million.

The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

Budget 2017 proposes $21.9 billion for investments for green infrastructure. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.